Spiritual Thoughts

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John Fitzgerald Kennedy Through Him then,  let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch. Robert Orben Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and if you speak, speak accordingly. Benjamin Franklin Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Believe while others .. Believe while others are doubting. Plan while others are playing. Study while others are sleeping. Decide while others are delaying. Prepare while others are daydreaming. Begin while others are procrastinating. Work while others are wishing. Save while others are wasting. Listen while others are talking. Smile while others are frowning . Commend while others are criticizing. Persist while others are quitting. Pray while others doubt. By William Arthur Ward And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Matthew 21:21-22

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William James   For as by the one man's disobedience         the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience      the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19

A day will never be any more than what you make of it. Practice being a "doer"! Josh S. Hinds   But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. But the one who….. perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22, 25

Belief always precedes action. James Allen Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,       the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.                    By faith they….. did….. Hebrews 11

It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions. Jim Rohn I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.            Would that you were either cold or hot! Behold, I stand at the door and knock.             If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:15, 20

Jesus will sing praises to His Father in the Kingdom of God! "I will declare your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I sing praise unto thee ... " (Hebrews 2:12) Singing Praise! - We do not often think of Jesus singing hymns of praise ... let alone in the Kingdom. - Remember, that after the 'last supper' he sang a hymn with his beloved disciples. (Matt 26:30) - Hebrews 2:12 is a direct quote from Psalm 22:22 which refers to the resurrection of Jesus from the sleep of death. - Just imagine how wonderful it will be to sing praises to God with Jesus ... with immortal voices!

“You can take anything away from a man and he will survive, but take away his hope and he will die.” Unknown “Men and brethren, ….. of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” Paul in Acts 23:6

The wishbone will never replace the backbone. - Will Henry         Have I not commanded you?   Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"A lot of life is … dealing with the cards you were given that aren't so nice. Does it make you into a monster, or can you temper it in some way, or accept it and go in some other direction?" - Wes Craven Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip. - Daniel L. Reardon The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28

My basic principle is that you don't make decisions           because they are easy; you don't make them because they are cheap;           you don't make them because they're popular; you make them because they're right.                  Theodore Hesburgh "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?       But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;       it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:7

Humility does not mean you think less of yourself.            It means you think of yourself less. Ken Blanchard Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy,           brotherly love, a tender heart, and                        a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee. William H. Walton You shall not take vengeance or   bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. ~Alfred, Lord Tennyson Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.   Helen Keller 1880-1968 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:8-9

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and         endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty;              To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,              a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived.                 This is to have succeeded. -  Ralph Waldo Emerson Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3.

If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad. ~ Ruth Stull The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and                 saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

If you don't design your own life plan,             chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you?            Not much. Jim Rohn Though they plan evil against you,   though they devise mischief, they will not succeed. For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows. Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power. Psalm 21:11-13

Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them. W. Clement Stone Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schwietzer "You are the light of the world. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,   but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and  give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-15